Heath boys are on the up after comeback win

PUBLISHED: 11:00 16 November 2006 | UPDATED: 14:54 12 May 2010

Gary Ryalle looked out for the count – Pic: Daniel Wilson

Royston 29 Borehamwood 23 ROYSTON remain top of the Herts/Middlesex League Division Three North after ending Borehamwood s unbeaten record, on Saturday. The visitors were the quickest of the league s unbeaten sides to get into their game, scoring in the o

ROYSTON remain top of the Herts/Middlesex League Division Three North after ending Borehamwood's unbeaten record, on Saturday.

The visitors were the quickest of the league's unbeaten sides to get into their game, scoring in the opening seconds to take an early 5-0 lead, which they extended by three with a penalty.

Injury-hit Royston, who had Gary Ryalle ko'd flat on his back at one stage before he recovered to carry on, came back through centre Aaron Davies, who split the defence and recycled the ball, releasing left wing Chris Ball to score, converted by Michael Schurch.

The try seemed put Royston to sleep, allowing Borehamwood to score three unconverted tries and a penalty to extend their lead to 23-7.

The visitors tried to stamp their authority on the game, but a sly lineout steal by hooker Jason Shackleton enabled the Crows to push play into the opposition's half.

Quick ball from the maul gave Ball space to power over the gain line and quick hands down the backline gave Schurch room to beat three men and score, unconverted, to reduce the deficit to 23-12 at half-time.

With the wind at their backs Royston came out fighting after the interval, and quickly reduced the visitors' lead.

Man-of-the-match Leighton Ryan picked the ball from the back of a scrum on the halfway line and sprinted 45 meters to score, unconverted.

The early score seemed to rattle Borehamwood and their flanker was sent to the sin bin for an infringement at a ruck.

Royston took advantage of their extra man, as full-back Dave Marvell pushed the resulting penalty kick deep into Borehamwood's twenty-two.

Royston's line-out ball was saved by lock Charles Fidler and passed to the mercurial Rob Turner at fly half, who sidestepped his way through Borehamwood's backline to score under the posts, converted, to give the home side a lead they would never relinquish.

Some moves from the Crows pushed play back into the visitors' half, and with another invasive break Turner split the defence and gave replacement wing Steve Bass space to touch down in the corner, unconverted.

That try proved decisive, and despite Borehamwood's best efforts they could not get into Royston's half as the Crows opened a two point lead at the top of the table.On Saturday, Royston's travel to Ely for a friendly.